Meet Maryia Vladykina, MD, from Belarus. She attended Sechenov University, and is a PGY-2 in the Yale-Waterbury Internal Medicine Residency Program in the Department of Internal Medicine.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
Being born into a family of physicians had always led me to consider pursuing a medical career. As a child, we often aspired to be just like our mom or dad. As I grew up and re-evaluated that aspiration, I realized I had a hard time imagining doing anything else and medicine seemed like the most diverse and interesting field—a profession that would keep my mind sharp.
What are your goals after you complete internal medicine residency? Where do you see yourself?
I see myself in rheumatology—the specialty of the unknown. You never know what that elevated antinuclear antibody will bring you! It's a fast-developing specialty with many gray areas that require a lot of thinking outside the box—seems like a perfect fit.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your internal medicine residency?
I heard only good things about my program. As an international medical graduate, it might be hard to 'play your cards right,' as most of the time you have to go blindly. It is also important to compare your goals with what the program can provide you, which totally matched in my case. So, I went by reviews and got a 'full house.'
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Dynamic, sympathetic, and versatile.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
One of those intensive care unit nights—lights are dim, machines are beeping, and you're talking with your friends about life and death (and upcoming vacation plans, of course!)
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My mother. Might not be the most original answer, but the sincerest. She's the person who is always by my side, yet very fair at the same time. She has shown me an example of a strong, dedicated woman who knows her worth and her goals. She frequently reminds me of the main female characters from 'Gone with the Wind,' another example of my childhood influence.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Cherish both good and bad moments because it all will pass regardless. And invest in cryptocurrency!
What's a fun fact about you?
I can’t swim, ride a bike, roller skate, or do many other common things. Yet, I can ride a horse and spent part of my teenage years doing show jumping. This combination of facts always amazes my friends.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for internal medicine residency?
As part of pastoral care in our hospital, a reminder echoes during the busiest times every morning: 'It is time to pause and take a deep breath.' The application process can be very busy and stressful, so it is important to take breaks and simply 'regroup' from time to time.
The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators and educators in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more about the department, visitInternal Medicine.